Monthly Archives: February 2014

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In my previous blog, “Can Organic and GMO co-exist?” I reference the plight of organic farmers who are forced to bear the consequences of growing in a virtual sea of GMO crops. At least 80 percent of the corn and approximately 90 percent of the soybeans grown in the United States are grown from genetically modified seeds. Eventually we want to see those statistics reversed. The only way to do that is through consumer demand. Consumers must be aware of the presence of GMOs in their food. If GMO foods are labeled as an ingredient, then consumers will know and actually have a choice. This could lead to increased demand for organic foods and more business for organic growers. Continue reading →

In the fields of Iowa where I grew up, the presence of organic soy and corn does indeed exist alongside Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) varieties. More than 80% of crops grown on US soil are from GMO seeds. Derived from weapons of warfare, their genetic modification allows them to withstand heavy applications of herbicides and pesticides. In my previous blog “Is buying organic produce for your kids worth it?” I sight the negative effect these chemicals have on the workers and people who live around these industrial agricultural zones. Additionally I explain the negative effects they have on our children and subsequent generations.

The co-existence of organic and GMO in place now is one sided and precarious at best. The USDA is attempting to codify or put into law a lop-sided set of rules that would define how organic and genetically modified organisms should co-exist in the unnatural theater of modern day agriculture. The USDA is actually proposing that organic growers pay for contamination done by the GMO patent holders! Continue reading →

Most organic shoppers chose the produce isle first when it comes to organic food. It’s much more tangible to smell a luscious organic strawberry and know it’s not listed on the Environmental Working Group’s dirty dozen list. It’s a delight to pull off an organic seedless grape and savor the burst of flavor before purchasing a bag.

We all have to start somewhere, and the visual appeal, along with incredible taste, of organic produce is a good place to commence when buying healthy food for children. Organic food offers earthly delights as well as principles, practices and government-backed rules that produce cleaner and healthier food.

Did you know that most of the quinoa sold in the US market is organic and most of it comes from Bolivia? Are you aware that over 40,000 smallholder farmers in Bolivia have been lifted out of poverty through quinoa production? Quinoa gives hope to people who believe world hunger can be solved through organic, smallholder family farms. Quinoa is the trailblazer of all ancient grains, and it’s also the contributor to a food trend that could lead to instability. Continue reading →